Little train, little train, just a' rollin' down the track
Little train, little train, ain't even lookin' back
Little train, little train, you're carryin' my heart away
Little train I'm singin' you a mournful song
With my hands in the air 'till the black smokes gone
Little train I won't be seein' you too soon

I hear you're headed out west while the weather's been bad
Watched the floods in the canyon, lift the mud on the track
Little train don't you know it's dangerous out there
'Till you're shotgun rider there's a beef on the loose
Why'd you put an extra gun on the old caboose
Little train make sure my baby's safe and sound
Roll on little engine
Roll on down the line
You're carryin' my baby away
And I'll cry to the forewinds
Until your safe return
Bring me back my baby to stay
Won't you make her stay

When her business is done won't you call her on back
Won't you let a long whistle out your ol' smokestack
Little train I'm afraid that city's caught her eye
Little train, little train, don't you go too fast
Don't you go too slow, just keep her on track
Little train won't you flash your headlamps when you're here
Roll on little engine
Roll on back down the line
You've carried my baby away
I've cried out to the forewinds
Upon your safe return
Won't you bring back my baby to stay
No never take her away
Little train, little train, just a' rollin' down the track
Little train, little train, ain't even lookin' back
Little train, little train, you're carryin' my heart away
Little train I'm singin' you a mournful song
With my hands in the air 'till the black smokes gone
Little train I won't be seein' you too soon